Serving 2,122 students in grades 9-12, Palm Desert High School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 42% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 67% (which is higher than the California state average of 49%).
The student:teacher ratio of 27:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2024)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,122 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 27:1
- Minority Enrollment: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 97% (Top 5% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 42% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 67% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Palm Desert High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Palm Desert High School's student population of 2,122 students has grown by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 79 teachers has grown by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
2,122 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
79 teachers
Students by Grade
School Calendar
School Rankings
Palm Desert High School ranks within the top 20% of all 3,649 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Palm Desert High School is 0.62, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#705 out of 3649 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
42%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
67%
49%
Student : Teacher Ratio
27:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
8%
12%
Hispanic
48%
56%
Black
2%
5%
White
38%
21%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
97%
84%
Eligible for Free Lunch
43%
51%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
16%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: 2021-2022 (latest school year available) National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- Palm Desert High School is a secondary school located in Palm Desert, California. The school is a part of the Desert Sands Unified School District.
- Palm Desert High School was founded in 1986. Many of Palm Desert High School Students come from Palm Desert Middle School. It offers many extra curricular activities, strong academics, and good sport programs.
- Academics: Palm Desert High School is the top school in Riverside County, in terms of academics. It consisently has high standardized test scores, and a vast majority of its students attend some form of college. It offers a multitude of Advanced Placement and Honors courses.
- Sports: Palm Desert's mascot is the Aztec. It has notable Tennis, Golf, Swimming, Baseball,Basketball, Football, and Water Polo teams. Its main rival is La Quinta High School.
- Notable alumni: Alison Lohman - Actress. Josh Homme - Queens of the Stone Age, Eagles of Death Metal, and Kyuss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Palm Desert High School's ranking?
Palm Desert High School is ranked #705 out of 3,649 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in California.
What schools are Palm Desert High School often compared to?
Palm Desert High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like La Quinta High School, Rancho Mirage High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
42% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 67% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Palm Desert High School?
The graduation rate of Palm Desert High School is 97%, which is higher than the California state average of 84%.
How many students attend Palm Desert High School?
2,122 students attend Palm Desert High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
48% of Palm Desert High School students are Hispanic, 38% of students are White, 8% of students are Asian, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Palm Desert High School?
Palm Desert High School has a student ration of 27:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Palm Desert High School offer ?
Palm Desert High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Palm Desert High School part of?
Palm Desert High School is part of Desert Sands Unified School District.
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